A new hat in the ring...

[Frizzle Fry]

Guess who's taking another stab at recreational speedball?



Just released as of noon today; Gryphon Paintball, a new line from Tippmann. Like the US Army line, this is a division of Tippmann geared towards first-timers and recreational players looking to buy a cheap competitive marker with modern features, with Gryphon being more geared towards speedball and US Army geared towards woods play. The basic model starts at an MSRP of $69, with a players pack for $99. No word on an electronic model yet, but I would guess that like the US Army models it will be about a $30-$40 difference in cost, and possibly be available in the form of a drop-in kit.

Seems like Tippmann is taking a MUCH better approach to speedball than they did with the old TRIUMPH series of plastic guns. This is more visually appealing, looks less plastic-y, more solid, and I would guess in the long run more upgradable. No word yet, but I would guess that it accepts most 98c internal performance upgrades.

My only question is this; what does "glossy painted - andodize" mean?

Any thoughts?

[captian pinky]

looks like a luxe and NT had 2 babies, then they had a baby and the retarded baby made a baby with some walmart gun.

just what i thought off the top of my head

[CatoRockwell]

Whether you like this marker or not (I personally do not), they have a smart business model that ensures their dominion in paintball.

[Frizzle Fry]

Pinky-
Agreed, it is a strange look, but it's not your standard WalMart spyder clone either. The Tippmann inline valve system can take a beating and still perform, the only problem being its length. It seems that they've found a way to make the marker feel less long without actually shortening it, while giving it a desirable look that is at least similar to high-ends. People who're buying a $70 mech marker for rec play are just going to be happy it's centerfeed, it's got no airlines, it has a flashy paintjob, and looks vaguely like the really nice markers other people are using. I'm fairly sure most people buying Gryphons don't know what an NT or a Luxe is, how much they cost, or why they cost so much other than that they're electronic.


Cato-
I agree completely. They've come just short of saying "Smart Parts is gone, Brass Eagle is gone, so we're here to pick up the slack"... It's really implied in their statements so far. I have to say, I've seen Tippmann on the field in full force (as in, the majority of markers) since I've been playing. I've used them and abused them for about a decade and a half, and they never quit... I'm just happy to see a trustworthy face on a low-end marker, and hope the quality is to their standard.



PS did anyone else have an ACI Griffin? It was like a speedball-oriented F4 Illustrator? Glad that name is hanging around, sorta.

[PAINTHEY]

looks like a luxe and NT had 2 babies, then they had a baby and the retarded baby made a baby with some walmart gun.

just what i thought off the top of my head

You brought tears to my eyes sir.

[KillerOfGiants]

looks like a JT with that feedneck sitting so far forward.

[koleah]

Guess who's taking another stab at recreational speedball?

Dear God, for a second I thought you were going to say the Gardners were back with a new gun already.

[CatoRockwell]

Dear God, for a second I thought you were going to say the Gardners were back with a new gun already.

They are. It's called GOG paintball.

[OPBN]

Composite body=plastic. Proven Inline system=98 internals. Looks to be another repackage of the 98. Yawn.

[Frizzle Fry]

They are. It's called GOG paintball.

No worries though; it's just re-named re-branded SP markers

Composite body=plastic. Proven Inline system=98 internals. Looks to be another repackage of the 98. Yawn.

It's supposed to be a yawn to us... $70 for a starter gun with, as you say, the proven inline system, which Tippmann seems to be doing away with. They've just ended production on the mechanical X7, and are switching over to the mechanical and electronic X7 Phenom system. The Gryphon is the last repackaging it would seem. This isn't meant to appeal to current players, but to new players with low budgets who'll be able to drop cheap and plentiful upgrades made for the 98 series.

Offhand, I'd say Tippmann would like to affirm their place as a "mid-range" company with the Phenom firing system in $300-$500 markers, plus offer a high-end pistol and a $200 pump gun. I wouldn't be surprised if the A5 and 98 series are next on the chopping block. I'd guess that the traditional inline firing system will live on in the Gryphon and US Army lines, and in those lines alone, representing the "low end" category that Tippmann seems to have been forced into for the last ten years or so.

Tippmann seems to be trying to move back up the food chain, while at the same time offering beginer-level markers in their old price range under different names which fills the gap that'll be left by the 98, while bump many of the cheap-o poorly made STBBs out of the running. Would you rather see young kids run out and buy a tried and true Tippmann in a beater package, or a plastic Spyder that's been generationally redesigned for cheapness a dozen times in the last decade?

[OPBN]

I can't see the 98 going anywhere anytime soon as it seems to be the marker of choice for field rentals. Tippmann is trying, but I don't know if I see this as the right direction. At least it's better then the power drills they were trying to sell us a few years back....

[Frizzle Fry]

I can't see the 98 going anywhere anytime soon as it seems to be the marker of choice for field rentals. Tippmann is trying, but I don't know if I see this as the right direction. At least it's better then the power drills they were trying to sell us a few years back....

The "TRIUMPH" series was really bad... I know they talked about going rental-only with the 98 before, and it seems like BT has gained some ground in the rental field.

[Newt]

Take that general idea. Now throw in the Phenom valve system and get some pro tourney players advice on the ergonomics and design (throw out the dismembered legged bird hybrid freak look). Presto, now you've got something people will go crazy for!

Really, I can see the market for a speedball styled rental marker that can be tech'd with the same parts as standard 98's, but if you're going to get into the market, do it with some real bang.

[Frizzle Fry]

Newt - It's coming, but it won't be $70 and you'll love it.

[Newt]

Meh. Unless you've got some insider info, I'll believe it when I see it. The Flex valve in a speedball gun? Sure. A decent, high speed / low drag, ergonomic setup? Tippmann has never been good at that one.